Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi guys and gals

Just thought I would put up some pics of my system as I build it... because everyone loves a good picture.

Also, I'm a bit of a newb when it comes to this stuff so any advice will be greatly appreciated and taken on board.

I'm trying to keep this project neat, and also good on the wallet. I have been involved in large commercial projects with huge fully automated glass, screen and shade houses, even high containment units for working on nasties (invertebrates and research on unwanted species)... as you could imagine, such setups are both highly expensive and very very neat. So while I know a little bit about Glasshouses and growing stuff in soil... I know jack about Aquaponics. Educate me

Apologies in advance for the crappy iPhone pics... Lent the wide angle lens to my uncle, and the 50mm prime don't cut it for this purpose.

5 x single use IBC's delivered last weekend. Contained unused motor oils.



Grow beds have been cut. The sidewalls a little over 1ft but thats ok, I wont need to fill them all the way


Waiting on a steam cleaner to arrive. They are already scrubbed with detergents, will be steamed, and then get a final rinse with detergent.


Two sump tanks fit under the pallet racking. Each sump is around 400L, not sure if 400L is enough for the whole system (?) but regardless I have enough material to make 2, even 3 similar sump tanks.


Growlush Expanded Clay. Yes I know I said I was trying to be cheap, but I want this type of media. Might add rocks in the future if needed.


This is what the media looks like


So the build so far, or how i imagine it, Is that I will fit 3 grow beds on top of the pallet racking, and two sumps under the racking. Not too sure if the tanks can be connected down low to increase tank size, or if the second sump should become an overflow sump in case of an overflow?

I intend to have a full size 1000L IBC off to the side as the fisk tank. I think this would be CHIFT PIST, but not too sure if physics allows for this? I notice a lot of people bury their sumps, I imagine this serves a purpose besides looks? I cant exactly do that in this area of the property, so above ground Is what I need to do. I also intend to cover the base of the sumps with something. I will use some scraps and weld the base of the tubular frame to keep it neat and consistent, also avoiding sharp edges. I will need to get some structural ply for the pallet racking as unfortunately, 3 IBCs overhang slightly on each side. Maybe I can use some ply under the sumps for added protection.

Once this is all up and running I would like to box up the IBC tanks for both aesthetics and to keep the UV from breaking down the plastic tanks.

So thats it for now gang. I will post up more as I become more involved. Its a little hard with xmas coming up.

Hi VMAN, congratulations on the build start. Looks like you are headed down the right track!
Based on the description you added after the pictures, I think you might find these two threads quite interesting;

Ezone's: viewtopic.php?f=18&t=12779&hilit=Ezone
(on grow beds, why you could have only one sump, configuration an so on)

IceMan's parents' (prettiest system out there IMHO): viewtopic.php?f=18&t=13291&hilit=Iceman+parents

cheers,
Tojo

definitely heading down the right path.

if you can i would definitely run two 400 litre sumps as it will help with a consistent water temp and also allow for future expansion of some additional growbeds (sorry but an expansion of some description is inevitable)

Have you got your sumps both as the bottom half of the IBC? if so then connecting them via the outlets is an option and this will allow flow from the lowest points in the tanks as well, or 90mm pipe just up from the bottom. Joining them allows for a single pump to be used from only one sump.

Burying a sump allows for the growbeds to be at a more 'workable' height as gravity will do its thing. it also helps regulate the temperature compared to the open air surrounding an above ground tank.

If you are looking at a cheap way to box the beds and sumps then look at old fence palings as they are generally free or really cheap.Before cladding them with whatever you decide i recommend wrapping with black builders plastic first.

Wow thanks for the kind words guys

Tojo thanks for those links, they make great reading.

IceMan, I found it amazing that I had not yet read your thread until 5 minutes ago, and some of the ideas I have, you have already incorporated into your parents system. Fantastic look, and something I would love to go for. I dont have the guts to do a window like that, but it makes the whole system look very neat and nice.

this place is the best for ideas. as i designed it with it being a major feature in the backyard i just had to incorporate a window... i would probably do it slightly different now.

It really takes the industrial look out of it i think

You got it mate... who says you cant do this, and make it all look really good at the same time.